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Don't forget the King--in roughly the same price range--and don't overlook used models.

Much as I hate to hear myself saying it, some of the Chinese tubas are getting to be downright decent--and a good alternative to the Amati.

Why not give someone like Roger Lewis a call over at WWBW and see what he thinks can be done with your resources?

Is Roger still at WWBW?

Roger Lewis wrote:
Roger Lewis
Formerly, Tuba Specialist
The Woodwind and The Brasswind

Roger Lewis
Tuba Specialist
Tubadome, Elkhart
http://www.meinl-weston.com/Press_Relea ... ealers.htm

?????????

Tubadome.
?
Bill

Jayhawk2ba wrote:I heard that WWBW is going out of business. Is there any truth to that rumor? That is one of the places i was going to check out. I figure that I will look at WWBW, Tuba Exchange, Baltimore Brass, and Dillon Music. I live in the Baltimore/Wash DC area, so I am within driving distance of three decent stores that I know of.

They're under Chapter 11 bankrupty, as I understand it, which is pretty far from "going out of business"--it's "reorganization". Unless someone says otherwise, they're probably safe to do business with.

In Response to the original question.
I agree whole-heartedly with Chuck(G). St. Pete's are aight, but you can do much better in the used market...
note: I played a King 2341 at Dillon's not too long ago, absolutely loved it, if I had played one of those in HS before i bought a Cerveny I would have bought it and would probably still have it.

Lots of good suggestions already, and here's where you can check many of them out under one roof at the end of the month: http://www.usarmyband.com/events/tubaeu ... rence.html
The US Army Band Tuba Euphonium conference is practically in your backyard, if you're located in Laurel. It will definitely be worth spending an afternoon in the exhibit room (or the "elephant room" as it is affectionately known.)
Best of luck in your search!
MF

Play them all. Bring your music folder and mouthpiece to the Army Band Conference, and get after it!

Jayhawk2ba wrote:WWBW has such a massive inventory it is no wonder they are having difficulty. Do they actually OWN all of that stuff that they have in stock?

I don't know, but most stores that keep an inventory have a special line of credit known as a "floor plan". The expensive items in the inventory go on the floor plan, while they probably buy the small expendables out of cash flow. The, the costs of maintaining an inventory are 1.) the warehouse, 2.) the insurance to protect the inventory in case of damage, and 3.) the interest on the floor plan.

Most of the other tuba stores sell used inventory, much of which they don't own. They sell it on consignment for the owners. If they own it, it's because they either took it in trade, or because they could get it cheap and add value such that the price exceeds the cost by a desirable margin.

WWBW seems to have built its business model on volume sales, and their strategy for achieving volume sales is the ability to deliver quickly from inventory. Another strategy is low prices. It's possible that the costs of maintaining an inventory and their low prices ended up not being compatible. Not all business models work.

But if true, that means something's gonna change. It sounds as though it already has.

Now, to the original poster: I would rather have a Dalyan than a St. Petersburg. They are sold by Orpheus Music in San Antonio. If you want to own a new tuba and that's your budget, then give it real consideration.

The nickel finish on St. Petes is okay. The instruments themselves are okay. They are not durable and require lots of care, and their bits are not made to fine tolerances. Any needed repairs may require parts fabrication at high cost.

Dalyans are at least as okay, and they are a bit cheaper. They are better made, and the fit and finish is much better.

But I'm with the others in this thread. For $3500, you could buy a nice, relatively lightly used Miraphone 186, and have a far better tuba. You could also buy a used VMI (or one of its stencil brands, such as F. Schmidt) in mint condition. A new King is only a little more. All are much better options for that amount of money.

Rick "who hasn't seen a posting from Roger in a while" Denney

Broke wrote:I bought a St. Pete when I went back into playing, and I really like the way it plays. I'm just an amateur though, so what do I know?

You have a tuba that works for you, bravo! Others have purchased St. Petes and been very happy with them. My posting was merely to point out that there are other good choices for someone with a limited budged beside St. Petersburg, AMATI or Cerveny.

Broke wrote:Forgive me if my tone was harsh!!!

Harsh?? You haven't seen enough posts by Doc, DP, Bloke, or Uncle Beer. Your post was mild compaired to some on here.

Broke wrote:Chuck,

Forgive me if my tone was harsh!!! It's my first day on TubeNet, was pointed here by Google, as I'm trying to learn more about the tuba.

"Just you wait, 'enry 'iggins, just you wait!"
You ain't seen nothing yet.

Actually, it's nice to see someone with manners posting on TubeNet. I think it happened once before.

Welcome to TubeNet, Broke.

TubaRay wrote:
Actually, it's nice to see someone with manners posting on TubeNet. I think it happened once before.

Personally, I was just glad to see that Broke is a real person, and not someone having a go at Bloke. Welcome aboard!

And to the OP, be sure to stop at Lee Stofer's booth (first one inside the door, if we get our lucky spot again) and say "hello". I'll be the guy selling silver-plated gear shift knobs.

MF

Unfortunately, the St. Pete I played some months ago at my tech's shop when I was having a couple of minor things done was very stuffy, and this was after servicing to make sure it was as optimal as possible.

For $3500, you can get a good, slightly used Cerveny, Miraphone, M-W, etc., that has been tested, already had any "break-in" issues resolved, and will last you for the rest of your natural life.

Mike Finn wrote: And to the OP, be sure to stop at Lee Stofer's booth (first one inside the door, if we get our lucky spot again) and say "hello". I'll be the guy selling silver-plated gear shift knobs.
MF

I'll be there. Looking forward to seeing you again, Mike. And, of course, Lee as well.

Jayhawk2ba wrote:I am going to be in the market for a new tuba in a couple of months. I will be looking to spend a max of about $3,500. There are a few horns in this range.

Yeah, but open yourself up to used horns and you can get something very good for the same amount of money.

As a random example, this horn is not in your price range:
http://www.dillonmusic.com/HeleoCart/Pr ... s4A6v0Y%3d

But this one is:
http://www.bassclefbrass.com/index.php?a=2&b=280

The only clear difference is 2 years of gentle use, a case, and a mouthpiece.

That being said, play as many as you can, and check out BBC, Dillon's, and [the] TUSAB conference later this month.

Happy shopping!

Oh, and the other clear difference is a savings of almost $2,000. Can't edit my other post...

Mike Finn wrote: I'll be the guy selling silver-plated gear shift knobs.

You've decided to start producing Dr. Young mouthpieces again?